Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Yemen and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in transportation, trade, and security, as the Yemeni Minister of Transport, Dr. Abdisalam Hamid, met with Somali Ambassador to Yemen, Abdulhakim Mohamed, in Aden on Sunday. The meeting focused on practical steps to enhance cooperation between the two neighboring nations, particularly in maritime and air transport.
Minister Hamid highlighted that Yemen and Somalia share deep historical, social, and political bonds that go back centuries. He described the relationship between the two countries as one founded on mutual respect and shared interests in areas such as security, economy, and culture. He emphasized that both nations have long benefited from trade and people-to-people exchanges, which continue to shape their close connection.
During the meeting, Dr. Hamid announced that the Yemeni Ministry of Transport is eager to boost trade and economic partnerships with Somalia. One of the key steps toward this goal, he explained, is to facilitate the launch of direct flights operated by Somali airlines to Yemen. According to him, this initiative would not only promote tourism and business but also strengthen the social links between their citizens. He added that Yemen is ready to issue flight operation licenses that would serve the interests of both nations.
The minister further revealed that the Yemeni government is planning to purchase two small aircraft for domestic travel. These planes, he said, could also be used for short regional routes connecting Yemen with Somalia and other nearby countries, making air travel more accessible and efficient in the region.
On maritime cooperation, Dr. Hamid stressed the importance of improving trade between the ports of the two nations. He noted that enhanced port collaboration could significantly boost the movement of goods and services between Yemen and Somalia. Additionally, he highlighted the need for stronger joint efforts to combat the smuggling of weapons and illegal goods across the Gulf of Aden — a major concern for both governments due to its impact on regional security.
For his part, Ambassador Abdulhakim Mohamed expressed gratitude to the Yemeni government for its continuous efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He praised the Ministry of Transport for its openness and willingness to work with Somalia to improve air and sea connectivity. The ambassador reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to deepening its long-standing relationship with Yemen, describing it as a partnership built on brotherhood and shared regional interests.
The meeting comes at a time when both countries are seeking to reinforce collaboration in trade and security. In recent months, Yemen and Somalia have stepped up discussions and coordination, particularly in light of growing security concerns in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Reports by the U.S. government have suggested increasing links between the Somali militant group al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi movement, prompting both countries to strengthen their joint response to threats that undermine peace and stability in the region.
By enhancing cooperation in transport and trade, Yemen and Somalia aim to not only improve connectivity but also lay the foundation for a stronger economic partnership that benefits both sides. The renewed diplomatic engagement signals a shared vision for stability and prosperity across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, where both nations play a vital role in maintaining maritime security and fostering regional development.